I came across an article (as usual) about how although America is in recession, we are still flocking to the movies. According to the article, this occurs during every recession… the whole flocking to the movies deal. I find it fascinating that on one hand, many are too damn broke to pay their mortgages and ask for help to avoid foreclosure, yet many of these people still eat out, buy crap (because that’s what most of it is), and hit the movies. Granted, not every person who is dealing with the threat of foreclosure is still spending their money like it’s toilet paper. Some actually have lost their jobs and are desperate to find work. However, there are many more who were too fucking irresponsible to take on a fixed rate loan in the first place, wanted a huge house to build up their egos, and can’t afford their balloon payments now, while they go out and spend, spend, spend!!!
Times are tough. I’m not rich. Nor am I poor. However, with the increase in groceries, you can bet that I’ve had to cut back on purchasing some of the food items that are near and dear to my heart. It’s called living within my means. I cannot tell you the last time it was that I went to the movies. With the ticket price around 10 bucks in my neck of the woods, I have better uses for that money. Ever hear of Netflix? True, you have to wait a few months after the theaters have stopped playing the new releases. However, it’s cheap, my snacks come from my own kitchen, I can pause the movie and ponder the ways of the world on the can, and return to the same spot in the movie that I had left. Not to mention, there’s no talking, no crying babies, no cell phones going off, and if the movie sucks, I turn it off and don’t feel like I’ve been ripped off. Sort of a nice deal and halfway economical at the same time.
So, if you’re running low on cash, the movies can wait. Just because you didn’t see the latest James Bond movie in the theater doesn’t mean that you’ll die. Really. I promise you. Instead, save the money, and pay your damn bills. This way, my taxes won’t end up having to help out your dumb ass, when my money can go to help those who really need it.
If you need a pick-me-up, play a board game. The cost of the game is a hell of a lot cheaper than taking the family out to the movies and you’ll actually end up communicating with one another. Strange concept, I know.
Filed under: Droppings, fucked up Tagged: | Movies, Recession
I think movies are a form of escapism for some people.
My last movie was a matinee for 6.50, Australia.
I am a choosy movie goer.
Most movies I can watch on the small screen, but something like Australia needs to be seen on the large screen.
GiGi-
If people can afford it, I have no issue with it. What gets me are those who cannot afford to spend the money, yet do it anyway.
Matinee is definitely the way to go if you are going to go to the movies. Sad how we now think 6.50 is cheap. I remember when that was full ticket price and that was just a few years ago… and I am now going to shut up because I sound just like my parents.
Ummm. Can I admit something here that I am not that proud of? Im amongst friends, right?
I am a total movie snob. Ok, not movie snob, since I really only watch stupid comedies. But movie theater snob, I should say. Living in Los Angeles for the past three years did it to me! I was normal before, I swear! Now, I can only see a movie at the fancy theater where you pay *cough*$15aticket*cough* to get a reserved seat that you pick out online first. Usually to see a movie like “Get Smart” or “Shrek”.
Look! There are less people taking on their cell phones and no kids kicking the back of my seat, ever! It’s worth it. Also, you get to have a martini in the bar before the movie, soooo….
Ok, throw stones and strip me of my liberal card! Actually, please don’t. I’ll change. Soon.
At least I do pay all of my bills before I spend way too much at the movies, right? RIGHT??!!